The legendary Dame Maggie Smith has passed away at 89.
Smith’s portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series began with 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and spanned a decade, cementing her as one of the franchise’s most cherished supporting characters. Smith’s role brought her recognition among younger audiences and made her an iconic figure in the beloved film series.
Her passing was confirmed by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, in a heartfelt statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully at a hospital early Friday morning, surrounded by friends and family. She was a private person, but we were with her at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five adoring grandchildren, all of whom are heartbroken by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Daniel Radcliffe aka Harry Potter himself, who shared the screen with Smith in the “Harry Potter” films, paid tribute to her following her death at 89. Radcliffe, the star of the series, recalled his early interactions with Smith, who played McGonagall in all but one of the eight films. He first worked with her on the set of “David Copperfield” when he was just 9 years old.
“I didn’t know much about her then, except that my parents were in awe of her and that she was a Dame,” Radcliffe shared in a statement. “I nervously asked if I should call her ‘Dame,’ and she just laughed and said, ‘don’t be ridiculous!’ She immediately made me feel comfortable. Over the next decade on the ‘Harry Potter’ sets, she continued to be incredibly kind to me.”
Radcliffe reflected on Smith’s wit, intelligence, and warmth. “She had a fierce intellect and a wonderfully sharp sense of humor. She could be both intimidating and endearing at the same time, and she was incredibly funny. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to work with her and to be around her. The term ‘legend’ is used a lot, but it truly fits her. Thank you, Maggie.”